Be Thou My Vision

This week, we're singing a song we started this year by Shane & Shane which is a revamp of an old hymn Be Thou My Vision (Lord You Are).

“Be Thou My Vision” has become one of the most beloved hymns in Christian worship. Its timeless message of focusing solely on God and seeking His guidance resonates across denominations and cultures. The hymn’s enduring popularity is due to its profound spiritual depth and the simplicity of its melody, making it accessible and meaningful to a wide range of believers.

The original hymn is in The United Methodist Hymnal, Number 451. The origins of “Be Thou My Vision” are traditionally traced back to Ireland during the early medieval period. The text is often attributed to Saint Dallán Forgaill, a 6th-century Irish Christian poet and scholar. He is believed to have written the original Irish text as a tribute to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The poem was likely a form of prayer or a devotional reflection. Mary E. Byrne translated it to the version we have today in 1905.

The hymn has inspired countless arrangements and adaptations over the years. It continues to be sung in churches, at Christian gatherings, and in personal devotion, reminding believers of the importance of keeping God at the center of their lives.

Lyrics: Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart:

• Scripture:
  • Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” 
  • It emphasizes the centrality of God in the believer’s life, guiding and directing their vision.

Lyrics: Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art:

• Scripture:
  • Philippians 3:8 says, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 
  • The idea here is that nothing else in life is as valuable as God Himself.

Lyrics: Thou my best thought, by day or by night:

• Psalm 1:2 speaks of the person whose “delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” 
• The song reflects the continuous meditation on God throughout the day and night.

Lyrics: Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light:

• Scripture:
  • Psalm 27:1 states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” 
  • This line reminds the believer of God’s constant presence, whether awake or asleep.

Lyrics: Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise:

• Scripture:
  • Matthew 6:19-20 advises, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” 
  • The song reinforces the idea of focusing on heavenly rewards rather than earthly riches.

Lyrics: Thou and Thou only, first in my heart:

• Scripture:
  • Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” 
  • This line emphasizes the exclusive devotion to God above all else.

Lyrics: High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art:

• Scripture:
  • Matthew 13:44 speaks of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field, which someone finds and sells all they have to buy that field. 
  • This line reflects the immense value of God as the ultimate treasure.